Baucom's goal is for his team to take 100 shots, including 50 3-pointers, per game and he sees no reason to change that approach going into tonight's season-opening game in Rupp Arena.
"We want to shoot before we turn it over. We are a little unconventional," the VMI coach said.
VMI will start four guards and sophomore Austin Kenon made 57 3-point shots and was hitting 40 percent from 3-point range before he became academically ineligible the second half of the season.
Gillispie says his team has to be prepared to play a team that will have no fear of failure.
"They are a confident team. They don't worry about missing. Those are dangerous teams," Gillispie said. "When you don't care if you never miss, it seems like you never miss.
"Their coach has done a fantastic job implementing a system that works for their program. They have a good program and experienced players. They shoot more 3's and make more than anyone. They are committed to it, and do it well."
Gillispie says the opening game will make his Cats be prepared to recognize a variety of half-court and full-court pressure defenses from VMI.
"It makes it difficult in your preparation, especially at this point in the season," Gillispie said.
Not naming starters
The UK coach wouldn't name any starters for tonight's game. However, he says the overall competition has been good for everyone, including the point guards.
Junior Michael Porter started both exhibition games, but freshman DeAndre Liggins has played well.
"Experience is always good. Mike is playing great. DeAndre is playing great and getting better every single day," Gillispie said. "(Kevin) Galloway is the guy lagging behind. He is trying to learn. I am not disappointed in him. He works and tries hard every day. He is getting better."
Gillispie says his players are in "superb condition" and that he wants his team to play fast.
"But that is determined by how well we shot and how well we handle the ball," Gillispie said. "We should be able to play at a decent pace, but we had 16 turnovers in the first half the other night (in UK's second exhibition game) and made poor decisions."
He says his team will be tempted to run more and take more 3-point shots against VMI than it would against more conventional opponents.
"This will show the maturity of your team. When teams press you, you have to score at the other end or they will just keep pressing you," Gillispie said. "We have to be very organized in our approach and have a great understanding of what the objective is each possession.
"You are going to be looking for a leader out there (at point guard). It will be a good indicator how far these guys have come."
Gillispie says last year's upset loss to doesn't haunt him going into this game and doesn't think it bothers his players, either.
"You would have to ask those guys about being haunted. I would doubt it, though," Gillispie said.
